Channel 12 Signal Strength

[Tom Weeden]

 

Originally posted by lummox:
There is the 6 to 7 figure cost for the power amplifier to consider plus the monthly electrical costs that run in the thousands of dollars. So I guess I can't fault their business logic as they aren't reaching enough viewers to get advertisers to foot the bill.  Even though they got the spectrum for free,they still have a 7 figure investment in equipment and then on going maintance and utility costs.

Good post!  

The 7-figure investment was also mandated. (WMTV-DT was actually in the high 6-figure area.)  I have no idea how small rural stations will make this digital transition work.  Our station is running "low" power also due to tower loading constraints, although we're "only" 5 dB below the FCC-authorized power.  My guess is that as number of digital viewers hits a certain level, the analog and digital channels will be swapped, the analog station goes low power and is eventually shut off.

As far as the concept of "getting the spectrum for free" goes, I'm all for it.  From about 1920 through 1985-ish, anyone from the small-town radio station to the taxi company using two-way radios to the original analog cell phone systems wanting to use the radio spectrum got licensed to use it "for free" as long as they met the licensing requirements.  For broadcasters that means providing service "in the public interest, convenience, and necessity."

Then someone came up with the goofy idea of the US government *selling* electromagnetic spectrum to raise money to balance the budget, and now the concept is entrenched.  And some poor spectrum management decisions are being made, as the money issue clouds good engineering sense.

I'm not a big fan of conglommo corporations, and spectrum auctions would seem to favor those with the cash and lock out entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop operations.

The FCC should either keep all frequencies free, or they should also sell rights to use cordless phone frequencies and garage door openers.  That'll raise a few more bucks.

My opinions only...not those of my employer.

--Tom

[Todd Wiedemann]

How 'bout this, gang ...

Today is the 6th of October, 9 days away from WISN ramping up the digital signal.

Wouldn't it be nice if they 'tested' their new equipment, let's say, tomorrow night around 8pm for us 'hobbyists' in their audience ?

Sure would give them some positive karma, at least around here !  

[Gregg Lengling]

I've got my HiDTV board programmed to check for a signal every hour and log the results...I'm just waiting for a signal...BTW what about Faux 6.  They've been MIA for most of last week and still not there, I've got a scan going for that also.


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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[ReesR]

neat feature...  we all look forward hearing any news.

[Todd Wiedemann]

That's pretty cool, Gregg.

You will let us know if anything hits, right ??  

Do we have any contact info for WISN ??

[Gregg Lengling]

It's not a feature of the board, it's a program I wrote to interact with the board and tune the desired channel and log signal strength.  It will send an alarm tone to my speakers if it gets a signal over 30....noise level is basically 9, lock level is around 50.
I'll let everyone know when I get a hit.


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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[Joseph S]

 

They've been MIA for most of last week and still not there, I've got a scan going for that also.

They told me they were getting a new transmitter in the "next two weeks" to replace the one that was determined "broken" on 5/1/02. Hopefuly, this will solve the major lack of signal issues.

[Gregg Lengling]

8 days to go and still no signal on 33....oops...don't they know how long it takes to make that stuff work.....weren't they watching when 10,4,58 put theirs on...or are they thinking it'll work right out of the box.


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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[Gregg Lengling]

4 days to go and there is a signal on my spectrum analyzer at the shop on WISN-DT's frequency.  No data yet, just a narrow band carrier...probably just warming up the transmitter and haven't added the PSIP data yet to expand the signal.  But anyhow at least this is good news. The bad news is the signal strength isn't very good.  My shop is only a couple miles from their tower.

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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[mr_yeti]

Wow! This has become quite the thread. I'm still holding off on buying the box, but i will keep my eye open on this thread for any new info regarding signal strength. Thanks to all of you for the great and continuing information. I know where to turn for help when I finally take the HD plunge.

[Gregg Lengling]

Well full digital signal there on the spectrum analyzer now...have to get home after noon and look on the receiver and see what they're transmitting.

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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net

[Todd Wiedemann]

Doggone it !!

Just on the day we're having a chili "cook-off" here at the office and I can't go home and check !!

Michelle entered her chili in the competition.  

[Gregg Lengling]

I'm home and have a signal strength of 90 but no picture yet....PSIP data not available.

[ReesR]

Nothing showing on my system here yet.

Todd:  Maybe if Michelle's chili wins you can take the rest of the day off.  (grin)

[Todd Wiedemann]

Heh. I would like that today.

Not a winner, unfortunately. More than likely just 'un-refined pallates'  

Anyone else scanning 'ole 34 ??